The U.S. Senate is delaying its vote on whether to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake requested the delay for an FBI investigation to be conducted into sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh.
The Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines, 11-10, to advance Kavanaugh’s nomination to the full Senate with that caveat. A short time later, President Trump ordered a limited FBI investigation into existing allegations against Kavanaugh. The probe is to be concluded within a week.
For weeks, Republicans refused to entertain Democrats’ calls for an FBI probe. The turnaround came just hours after Flake was confronted by protestors upset by his earlier announcement he would vote in favor of Kavanaugh.
ABA supports delay
It’s not just protestors and Democrats who support the move. The American Bar Association Thursday called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to delay its confirmation vote until the FBI can fully vet claims against Kavanaugh by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and others.
ABA president Robert Carlson sent a letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley and ranking Democrat Dianne Feinsteina asking them to delay the confirmation proceedings.
“We make this request because of the ABA’s respect for the rule of law and due process under law,” Carlson wrote. “The basic principles that underscore the Senate’s constitutional duty of advice and consent on federal judicial nominees require nothing less than a careful examination of the accusations and facts by the FBI.”
Dr. Blasey Ford testified before the committee on Thursday that Kavanaugh attempted to rape her when they were teenagers. Two other women have also made allegations against Kavanaugh.
“Each appointment to our nation’s Highest Court (as with all others) is simply too important to rush to a vote,” Carlson’s letter states. “Deciding to proceed without conducting additional investigation would not only have a lasting impact on the Senate’s reputation, but it will also negatively affect the great trust necessary for the American people to have in the Supreme Court.”
A final vote on Kavanaugh’s nomination was expected this weekend. It’s expected to be rescheduled once the FBI investigation is complete.
